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Last week, we published the first part of our exclusive interview with X Factor contestant Brendan Murray about what it’s like having Louis Tomlinson as a mentor.

This has been a busy week for Brendan. He celebrated his birthday on Friday and got a present from the big man himself! Besides a present from Burberry, Brendan, Louis, and fellow contestant Anthony Russell all went out to the England vs. USA football match on Thursday and hung out with DC United’s Wayne Rooney.

Brendan took to Instagram to thank Louis for the present as well as everyone who wished him a Happy Birthday. He was at rehearsals and excited for Big Band night. He’s rumored to be singing Say Something.

Earlier this week, Brendan answered some questions on Instagram, including what he loves about Louis most. He said, “There’s a lot I could say. He’s very loyal and genuine! Puts a lot of time into me and the boys and gets the best out of us, you couldn’t ask for better”.

Brendan seems just as sweet as he appears on TV. Gracious and polite, he took time out of his busy X Factor schedule to answer some more questions for us. Here’s Part 2 of our interview! If you missed Part 1, you can read it here.

When you heard you were assigned to Louis' category, what were your first thoughts?

Absolutely over the moon. The fact that he’s been through this process before is incredible. Great to get his advice of what he’s been through within the show.

You were probably familiar with who he was from One Direction, but did you have any idea what he would be like as a mentor?

I had no idea what he would be like as a mentor. He’s an absolute genuine guy who loves music and looks after me and the boys really well.

What advice did he give you when you were in the sing-off with LMA Choir? That night must have been so nerve-wracking!

Just before I was in the sing off with LMA, he looked me in the eye and said that he believed in me and he said that this was my life on the line and if I wanted it I had to give it my all and fight for it.

Has he given you any advice on dealing with the pressures of the industry and if so, what?

Be yourself and believe in yourself.

Has Louis given you any advice about your career that you know will stick with you beyond X Factor?

Louis has giving me lots of advice that i will of course take on board through out my music career.

You mentioned Louis knows the "right formula" to go far in the competition? Can you share or is this a Team Tommo secret?!?!?

Haha, I don’t think it’s a secret as such. I just think he’s been in this position 8 years ago, he’s been through it all, he knows what works and what doesn’t. He has his head screwed on.

There you have it! Today is the fourth anniversary of One Direction’s album, Four. We found a clip of Brendan’s former band, Hometown, doing a cover of Fireproof from that album.